Route Description - Jardines De La Reina (Gardens of the queen)
8 Days / 7 Nights
Up to 22 dives including 2 night dives
Jardines de la Reina Marine Park, also known as the Gardens of the Queen, is home to the third largest reef system in the world. Thanks to the park’s Blue Sanctuary sustainability management program, human access is limited, preserving its pristine underwater ecosystem.
As a protected environment, the park provides a safe haven for marine life, including six species of sharks and a vibrant array of corals—some of which were once believed to be lost. The reef supports the full life cycle of many species, allowing fish such as goliath grouper and tarpon to grow to adulthood in undisturbed waters. Accessible only by scuba diving liveaboard, Jardines de la Reina is regarded as one of the premier dive liveaboard destinations in the world.
Sample Itinerary
Itineraries are weather dependent and tailored to best diving available each trip.
Saturday:
Morning – Transfer from Havana or Camagüey to Jucaro
Boarding begins at 2pm. Arrive at the dock, board, check in
Safety briefing, equipment outfitting, prep dive equipment
Dinner
Educational presentation by marine biologist giving an overview of coastal marine habitat preservation
Evening – Travel to the marine park, a 4-hour trip
Sunday to Friday:
6:30am – Breakfast – made-to-order
7:30am – Depart for first dive following dive briefing
9:00am – Return to boat for snack
10:00am – Depart for second dive, following dive briefing
12:00pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Depart for third dive, following dive briefing
3:00pm – Afternoon snack
4:00pm – Depart for fourth dive, following dive briefing
6:00pm – Log fish surveys after dives, review findings with marine biologists and guides. Share photos of unique species.
7:00pm – Educational and conservation lectures with marine biologist
8:00pm – Dinner, plan for next day’s activities and review video footage
*4 dives per day including 2 night dives during the trip; additional night dives possible on request by chatting with your dive guide. Friday dives are limited to 2 to allow 24-hours prior to flying.
Friday:
4:00pm – Return to Port Jucaro; overnight on All Star Avalon
Saturday:
9:00am – Disembark to Havana or Camagüey.